November 2022 |
All text by Zorek Richards
unless otherwise noted |
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| November 28, 2022 |
Charisma: Candace Cameron Bure Has a New Home for the Holidays
The evangelical actor faces recent pushback for her decision to leave Hallmark for Great American Family, whose Christmas movies will center on “traditional marriage.”11.18.22
The evangelical actor faces recent pushback for her decision to leave Hallmark for Great American Family, whose Christmas movies will center on “traditional marriage.”11.18.22
Nov 27, 2022: Religion News Service: Who is Trump and Kanye’s dinner companion, Nick Fuentes?
Last year the 24-year-old right-wing media personality told an audience that the United States will cease to be America 'if it loses its white demographic core and if it loses its faith in Jesus Christ.'
Last year the 24-year-old right-wing media personality told an audience that the United States will cease to be America 'if it loses its white demographic core and if it loses its faith in Jesus Christ.'
| November 26, 2022 |
Nov 26, 2022: CBN: How 'The Man in Black' Saw the Light: The Faith & Redemption of Johnny Cash Hitting Theaters in December
A new documentary film examining Country Music legend Johnny Cash's redemption is coming to a theater near you this December.
And the trailer for Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon has just been released.
Presented by Fathom Events, the film is based on the book of the same title written by California megachurch Pastor Greg Laurie. He also serves as one of the documentary's executive producers.
A new documentary film examining Country Music legend Johnny Cash's redemption is coming to a theater near you this December.
And the trailer for Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon has just been released.
Presented by Fathom Events, the film is based on the book of the same title written by California megachurch Pastor Greg Laurie. He also serves as one of the documentary's executive producers.
Charisma: Michael Brown: Once Again, I Denounce Acts of Violence Against the LGBTQ-Plus Community
Although we still do not know (as of this writing) if the massacre at a gay bar in Colorado Springs was a hate crime, it is always appropriate to denounce all acts of violence and hatred against the LGBTQ community. There is absolutely no justification for such acts no matter how deep the disagreements. You do not murder someone because you differ with them. -11.23.22
Although we still do not know (as of this writing) if the massacre at a gay bar in Colorado Springs was a hate crime, it is always appropriate to denounce all acts of violence and hatred against the LGBTQ community. There is absolutely no justification for such acts no matter how deep the disagreements. You do not murder someone because you differ with them. -11.23.22
Nov 19, 2022: Denny Burk: What Happened at the Rocky Mountain ETS?
Another annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) is now in the books. We met in Denver, Colorado this year, and it was a really good week. For those of you unfamiliar with ETS, it is a society of theologians and biblical scholars who are dedicated to biblical inerrancy and a belief in the Trinity. At the annual meeting, members come together to present academic papers, meet with publishers, and catch up with old friends. Keep in mind that I only experienced a narrow slice of things, but here are my reflections on what I saw.
Another annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) is now in the books. We met in Denver, Colorado this year, and it was a really good week. For those of you unfamiliar with ETS, it is a society of theologians and biblical scholars who are dedicated to biblical inerrancy and a belief in the Trinity. At the annual meeting, members come together to present academic papers, meet with publishers, and catch up with old friends. Keep in mind that I only experienced a narrow slice of things, but here are my reflections on what I saw.
| November 25, 2022 |
Nov 24, 2022: Politi-zoom: Trump Idolatry Soars. Now He’s God In A Booth, MAGA Unichapel, Padre Box, Dispensing Wisdom For Cash
Probably the only person from either history or literature who would be comfortable should she wake up in the Trump era, besides Karl Marx, would be Alice in Wonderland. She could seamlessly adapt to what we see here on a daily basis.
If you think your mind can handle it, here is MAGA God in a phone booth, MAGA Unichapel, the Padre Box. the Robot Confessional, MAGAfied and monetized. Sweet Jesus.
Probably the only person from either history or literature who would be comfortable should she wake up in the Trump era, besides Karl Marx, would be Alice in Wonderland. She could seamlessly adapt to what we see here on a daily basis.
If you think your mind can handle it, here is MAGA God in a phone booth, MAGA Unichapel, the Padre Box. the Robot Confessional, MAGAfied and monetized. Sweet Jesus.
Nov 25, 2022: Open The Bible: Learn to Hate Evil with Your Memory and Imagination
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
There is a subtle power in which past sins can hold their own attraction in the memory. When memory looks back and feels that, given the same situation, you would make the same choice, it is a sure sign that repentance is not complete.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
There is a subtle power in which past sins can hold their own attraction in the memory. When memory looks back and feels that, given the same situation, you would make the same choice, it is a sure sign that repentance is not complete.
Nov 25, 2022: Living Lutheran: A true thanksgiving; Martin Luther on giving thanks
“For all of this I owe it to God to thank and praise, serve and obey him.” With these words in his Small Catechism, Martin Luther concludes his paraphrase of the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed. The point is clear: We owe God thanks for all God gives to us.
But there is a trap here that we can easily fall into. Just because we ought to do something for God doesn’t mean we can do it—or, in Luther’s succinct language: “An ‘ought’ never implies a ‘can.’”
The problem with thanksgiving (let alone praise, service and obedience) is twofold. On the one hand, we try to turn it into a “must,” and we put on our smiley face and say thank you. Every time my Aunt Gladys gave me wool socks for Christmas, I was faced with the same dilemma: I had to write a thank-you note, but I wasn’t really thankful at all. Hypocritical thanksgiving is the very opposite of true thanks.
On the other hand, we imagine that we can manufacture true thanksgiving on our own, and we take credit for being thankful (or feel guilty when we aren’t). But this isn’t true thanksgiving either.
“For all of this I owe it to God to thank and praise, serve and obey him.” With these words in his Small Catechism, Martin Luther concludes his paraphrase of the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed. The point is clear: We owe God thanks for all God gives to us.
But there is a trap here that we can easily fall into. Just because we ought to do something for God doesn’t mean we can do it—or, in Luther’s succinct language: “An ‘ought’ never implies a ‘can.’”
The problem with thanksgiving (let alone praise, service and obedience) is twofold. On the one hand, we try to turn it into a “must,” and we put on our smiley face and say thank you. Every time my Aunt Gladys gave me wool socks for Christmas, I was faced with the same dilemma: I had to write a thank-you note, but I wasn’t really thankful at all. Hypocritical thanksgiving is the very opposite of true thanks.
On the other hand, we imagine that we can manufacture true thanksgiving on our own, and we take credit for being thankful (or feel guilty when we aren’t). But this isn’t true thanksgiving either.
Nov 11, 2022: Pepperdine/Seaver College: Back to the Past: Dr. Lisa Smith and the Genesis Lab Innovate New Virtual Reality Assignment
Dr. Lisa Smith does things differently. Whether it's her final exam, which calls on students to create a playlist of contemporary music related to a novel, or an assignment that pushes the course content outside of the classroom, Seaver College’s assistant professor of teaching of English does not go by the book.
“A lot of students dislike taking a 300 level literature class,” Smith admits. “Many of them haven’t had literature since high school. So I try to do things that are fun and different.”
Driven by this challenge to innovate, Smith collaborated with Payson Library’s Genesis Lab to create an immersive assignment for her ENG 380 class entitled, Passion and the Pen: Documents of the First Great Awakening. Given the dense and focused nature of this topic, Smith sought to incorporate new and exciting technology into her curriculum. Thus, she came up with an idea to seize her students’ attention – a virtual reality experience of George Whitefield’s Great Awakening speaking tour.
Dr. Lisa Smith does things differently. Whether it's her final exam, which calls on students to create a playlist of contemporary music related to a novel, or an assignment that pushes the course content outside of the classroom, Seaver College’s assistant professor of teaching of English does not go by the book.
“A lot of students dislike taking a 300 level literature class,” Smith admits. “Many of them haven’t had literature since high school. So I try to do things that are fun and different.”
Driven by this challenge to innovate, Smith collaborated with Payson Library’s Genesis Lab to create an immersive assignment for her ENG 380 class entitled, Passion and the Pen: Documents of the First Great Awakening. Given the dense and focused nature of this topic, Smith sought to incorporate new and exciting technology into her curriculum. Thus, she came up with an idea to seize her students’ attention – a virtual reality experience of George Whitefield’s Great Awakening speaking tour.
| November 24, 2022 |
Why CS Lewis remains compelling
This week marks the anniversary of both the birth (Nov. 29) and the death (Nov. 22) of C.S. Lewis, one of the most remarkable Christians of the last century. Even today, nearly 60 years after his passing, Christians of all denominations, depth, and discernment continue to learn from Lewis about the nature and substance of faith. The value of the wit and wisdom of this unexpected champion of the faith only becomes more obvious as the central message of Christianity, that “Jesus is Lord!”, sounds more and more strange to late-modern ears. 11.23.22
This week marks the anniversary of both the birth (Nov. 29) and the death (Nov. 22) of C.S. Lewis, one of the most remarkable Christians of the last century. Even today, nearly 60 years after his passing, Christians of all denominations, depth, and discernment continue to learn from Lewis about the nature and substance of faith. The value of the wit and wisdom of this unexpected champion of the faith only becomes more obvious as the central message of Christianity, that “Jesus is Lord!”, sounds more and more strange to late-modern ears. 11.23.22
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| November 23, 2022 |
Nov 22, 2022: The Bulwark: The Growing Religious/Secular Rift on the Illiberal Right
Within National Conservative circles, there are two competing narratives about the status of religion—even state-sponsored religion. To hear conservative Christians at the National Conservatism III convention earlier this year, they represent the vanguard of nationalist politics. If “conservatism as a movement has a future, it is a future that is going to be increasingly tied to explicit theological claims and confession—or there will be nothing left to conserve,” declared one keynote speaker, Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s flagship university. Fr. Benedict Kiely claimed “conservatives are social conservatives or they are not conservative.” William Wolfe, a Trump administration official, wraps Trumpism in Protestant garb and claims Christians should “demand” an America First agenda. Meanwhile, claiming that secular types “are a small minority” among the NatCons, R.R. Reno, the editor of First Things, told the Dispatch that “it’s the religious people that are the forefront of actually speaking out” against the progressive left. Rev. Uri Brito, a biblical theocrat and cleric associated with the convention, noted he wouldn’t “want to be a part of a movement where atheists are guiding that movement.”
Within National Conservative circles, there are two competing narratives about the status of religion—even state-sponsored religion. To hear conservative Christians at the National Conservatism III convention earlier this year, they represent the vanguard of nationalist politics. If “conservatism as a movement has a future, it is a future that is going to be increasingly tied to explicit theological claims and confession—or there will be nothing left to conserve,” declared one keynote speaker, Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s flagship university. Fr. Benedict Kiely claimed “conservatives are social conservatives or they are not conservative.” William Wolfe, a Trump administration official, wraps Trumpism in Protestant garb and claims Christians should “demand” an America First agenda. Meanwhile, claiming that secular types “are a small minority” among the NatCons, R.R. Reno, the editor of First Things, told the Dispatch that “it’s the religious people that are the forefront of actually speaking out” against the progressive left. Rev. Uri Brito, a biblical theocrat and cleric associated with the convention, noted he wouldn’t “want to be a part of a movement where atheists are guiding that movement.”
November 21, 2022: PRRI: The Diminishing Importance of Personal Morality in Politics, 2011-2020
The recent midterm elections have reignited public debates about the role of personal morality in the private lives of elected officials. In the 2016 presidential election, the majority of white Christian voters supported Donald Trump, including 81% of white evangelicals—a group whose espoused moral convictions seemed to blatantly contradict the private proclivities of the candidate.
In the 2022 midterms, there was no shortage of candidates who had the support of the nation’s most populous religious communities, even though their morals seemed to fall short of those communities’ articulated standards. Before the election, Astead Herndon, host of the New York Times podcast “The Run-Up,” interviewed Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, to ask him about this seeming incongruity. Mohler told Herndon that he believed Christian voters should prioritize two issues: “the sanctity of human life and the integrity of marriage.” On the surface, Mohler’s response provides a simple explanation for many Christians’ seeming disregard of the personal morality of political candidates: abortion and marriage equality seem to be the central issues that galvanize evangelical voters. However, PRRI’s American Values Survey suggests that white evangelical Christians are far from the only group willing to overlook personal immorality among elected officials.
The recent midterm elections have reignited public debates about the role of personal morality in the private lives of elected officials. In the 2016 presidential election, the majority of white Christian voters supported Donald Trump, including 81% of white evangelicals—a group whose espoused moral convictions seemed to blatantly contradict the private proclivities of the candidate.
In the 2022 midterms, there was no shortage of candidates who had the support of the nation’s most populous religious communities, even though their morals seemed to fall short of those communities’ articulated standards. Before the election, Astead Herndon, host of the New York Times podcast “The Run-Up,” interviewed Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, to ask him about this seeming incongruity. Mohler told Herndon that he believed Christian voters should prioritize two issues: “the sanctity of human life and the integrity of marriage.” On the surface, Mohler’s response provides a simple explanation for many Christians’ seeming disregard of the personal morality of political candidates: abortion and marriage equality seem to be the central issues that galvanize evangelical voters. However, PRRI’s American Values Survey suggests that white evangelical Christians are far from the only group willing to overlook personal immorality among elected officials.
Nov 22, 2022: Current: David French’s civic pluralism versus Al Mohler’s Christian nationalism
Here is Mohler’s take on French’s argument:
But was French flatly against same-sex civil marriage? It now appears that the answer is no, and has been no for a long time. French identifies as a civil libertarian who wants to see a balancing of interests and claims within pluralism. As for his position on redefining marriage as a civil institution, he writes, apparently of his 2004 position: “I wanted gay couples to enjoy marriage-equivalent legal protections but without changing the legal definition of marriage. I wanted gay couples to enjoy the legally protected right to build a life together without creating a legal superstructure that ripped apart religious freedoms that are indispensable to the health of the republic and to the flourishing of countless millions of American lives.”
That argument should astound evangelical Christians. The key issue seems to be French’s basic confidence in pluralism as the great civic goal and central political principle. But pluralism requires careful definition and boundaries. In a recent book, French explains, “I recognize pluralism as a permanent fact of American life and seek to foster a political culture that protects the autonomy and dignity of competing American ideological and religious communities.” But what, dare we ask, are the allowable boundaries of respectable pluralism? In answering this question, David French is particularly unclear. If he is clear, his view would undermine any stable public morality based on any objective moral truths.
Here is Mohler’s take on French’s argument:
But was French flatly against same-sex civil marriage? It now appears that the answer is no, and has been no for a long time. French identifies as a civil libertarian who wants to see a balancing of interests and claims within pluralism. As for his position on redefining marriage as a civil institution, he writes, apparently of his 2004 position: “I wanted gay couples to enjoy marriage-equivalent legal protections but without changing the legal definition of marriage. I wanted gay couples to enjoy the legally protected right to build a life together without creating a legal superstructure that ripped apart religious freedoms that are indispensable to the health of the republic and to the flourishing of countless millions of American lives.”
That argument should astound evangelical Christians. The key issue seems to be French’s basic confidence in pluralism as the great civic goal and central political principle. But pluralism requires careful definition and boundaries. In a recent book, French explains, “I recognize pluralism as a permanent fact of American life and seek to foster a political culture that protects the autonomy and dignity of competing American ideological and religious communities.” But what, dare we ask, are the allowable boundaries of respectable pluralism? In answering this question, David French is particularly unclear. If he is clear, his view would undermine any stable public morality based on any objective moral truths.
Nov 22, 2022: Baptist News Global: Majority of Americans favor legalizing marijuana but holdouts are older, religious and conservative
A recent analysis of aggregate polling data from Gallup found support for legalization averaged 67% among the general population “but varied significantly by subgroup,” according to a report by Jeffrey Jones of Gallup. “Conservative, religious and older Americans are the least supportive, while liberal, nonreligious and younger Americans are the most supportive.
A recent analysis of aggregate polling data from Gallup found support for legalization averaged 67% among the general population “but varied significantly by subgroup,” according to a report by Jeffrey Jones of Gallup. “Conservative, religious and older Americans are the least supportive, while liberal, nonreligious and younger Americans are the most supportive.
Nov 23, 2022: Slacktivist: 11/23 Flashback: 93
Hal Lindsey turns 85 years old today, something that Lindsey himself has spent decades telling us should never come to pass.
Lindsey’s 1970 book, The Late Great Planet Earth — a blockbuster best-seller — told us that the End of the World was nigh. And not just maybe a bit nigh-ish, mind you, but really, really nigh.
Hal Lindsey turns 85 years old today, something that Lindsey himself has spent decades telling us should never come to pass.
Lindsey’s 1970 book, The Late Great Planet Earth — a blockbuster best-seller — told us that the End of the World was nigh. And not just maybe a bit nigh-ish, mind you, but really, really nigh.
Nov 22, 2022: The Imaginative Conservative: “C.S. Lewis”: A Sonnet
As well as being St. Cecilia’s day, 22nd November is also the day C.S. Lewis died in 1963. I remember the great celebration of his life, work and witness we had throughout 2013 and especially the honour and pleasure I had in lecturing on him at St. Margaret’s Westminster and attending the ceremony at which his memorial stone was installed in Poet’s corner, an event that would not have taken place without the hard work and foresight of Michael Ward amongst others. I wrote a sonnet for Lewis as part of that year of celebration, and so, on the anniversary of his death, I am posting it here. It was published in my volume of poems The Singing Bowl, with Canterbury Press.
As well as being St. Cecilia’s day, 22nd November is also the day C.S. Lewis died in 1963. I remember the great celebration of his life, work and witness we had throughout 2013 and especially the honour and pleasure I had in lecturing on him at St. Margaret’s Westminster and attending the ceremony at which his memorial stone was installed in Poet’s corner, an event that would not have taken place without the hard work and foresight of Michael Ward amongst others. I wrote a sonnet for Lewis as part of that year of celebration, and so, on the anniversary of his death, I am posting it here. It was published in my volume of poems The Singing Bowl, with Canterbury Press.
| November 21, 2022 |
Christian Headlines: Republicans Are 'Headed Toward a Civil War,' Pastor Robert Jeffress Says
A key evangelical ally during Donald Trump's administration says he will not endorse the former president for the 2024 Republican nomination............. But Jeffress says he will remain neutral for the 2024 GOP race.
"Donald Trump was a great president, and if he becomes the GOP nominee in 2024, I will happily support him," Jeffress told Newsweek.
He added that "the Republican Party is headed toward a civil war that I have no desire or need to be part of. My priority is being pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas and preaching God's word to millions of people each week on our television and radio broadcasts."
11.18.22
A key evangelical ally during Donald Trump's administration says he will not endorse the former president for the 2024 Republican nomination............. But Jeffress says he will remain neutral for the 2024 GOP race.
"Donald Trump was a great president, and if he becomes the GOP nominee in 2024, I will happily support him," Jeffress told Newsweek.
He added that "the Republican Party is headed toward a civil war that I have no desire or need to be part of. My priority is being pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas and preaching God's word to millions of people each week on our television and radio broadcasts."
11.18.22
| November 19, 2022 |
November 19, 2022:
10 points by Dr. Michael Brown on Why We Engage in the Culture Wars:
1) if we don’t engage the culture, the society will collapse. After all, if we are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16), without us, the saltiness will be gone and the light will not shine. And with the culture in freefall, it won’t be long before anarchy reigns, before our liberties will be taken away—perhaps even our children taken away.
2) if we don’t push back against a sinful society, we will lose our conscience and our souls. How can we see evil on full display in front of our eyes and do nothing? To do nothing is to desensitize and dehumanize ourselves.
3) as Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:8–9, “at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true).” It is in our spiritual DNA to do what is right and good because, by our very born again-nature, we are light.
4) doing good also means opposing evil, and there are many verses in the New Testament that clearly call us to do what is good. What then, does that good look like in action? What would doing good look like if you were a slaveowner who became a Christian? Just giving your slave a cup of cold water? Or setting your slave free?
5) as we oppose evil, as we call out injustice, as we push back against immorality, we are becoming more like Jesus, being conformed to His image. This is part of our preparation for eternity.
6) God makes clear over and again in His Word that the kind of spirituality He is looking for does not consist of long-winded prayers or pious displays of fasting. Rather, He says clearly, our fasting must be the backdrop for our holy actions, setting the captives free, caring for the orphan and widow, standing up to injustice in the courts (see Isaiah 58).
7) just as we feed the hungry and give to the poor, helping those we can even while knowing that we will never eradicate hunger and poverty, we do the same with the culture wars. We help those we can help. We save a baby’s life when we can. We get an ungodly sex-ed curriculum removed from our local school. We expose discriminatory treatment of a minority colleague in the workplace. Every life counts, and every battle won has significance.
8) since the Messiah’s mission includes bringing justice to the nations, and since we are His voice and His hands and feet in this world, pursuing justice is part of our divine mission (see Isaiah 42:1-8).
9) by standing up for the downtrodden and hurting, we demonstrate the depth of our relationship with God. As the Lord said with regard to the godly King Josiah, “He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? declares the LORD.” (Jer. 22:16) That is a truly striking verse.
10) when we oppose evil and do good, we are functioning as the Lord’s witnesses, thereby calling the society to account and setting a standard for others to follow. This, too, is part of our gospel calling.
The reality is that, until Jesus returns, we will be in a tug of war with the world, sometimes making real progress and sometimes losing ground.
But either way, we must keep our grip and maintain our resolve, wanting to hand things to the next generation in better shape than we received them while knowing that ultimate victory awaits the Lord’s return.
And while we also keep the Great Commission first and foremost in our hearts and minds, we recognize that Jesus didn’t simply call us to win the lost but to make disciples.
10 points by Dr. Michael Brown on Why We Engage in the Culture Wars:
1) if we don’t engage the culture, the society will collapse. After all, if we are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16), without us, the saltiness will be gone and the light will not shine. And with the culture in freefall, it won’t be long before anarchy reigns, before our liberties will be taken away—perhaps even our children taken away.
2) if we don’t push back against a sinful society, we will lose our conscience and our souls. How can we see evil on full display in front of our eyes and do nothing? To do nothing is to desensitize and dehumanize ourselves.
3) as Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:8–9, “at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true).” It is in our spiritual DNA to do what is right and good because, by our very born again-nature, we are light.
4) doing good also means opposing evil, and there are many verses in the New Testament that clearly call us to do what is good. What then, does that good look like in action? What would doing good look like if you were a slaveowner who became a Christian? Just giving your slave a cup of cold water? Or setting your slave free?
5) as we oppose evil, as we call out injustice, as we push back against immorality, we are becoming more like Jesus, being conformed to His image. This is part of our preparation for eternity.
6) God makes clear over and again in His Word that the kind of spirituality He is looking for does not consist of long-winded prayers or pious displays of fasting. Rather, He says clearly, our fasting must be the backdrop for our holy actions, setting the captives free, caring for the orphan and widow, standing up to injustice in the courts (see Isaiah 58).
7) just as we feed the hungry and give to the poor, helping those we can even while knowing that we will never eradicate hunger and poverty, we do the same with the culture wars. We help those we can help. We save a baby’s life when we can. We get an ungodly sex-ed curriculum removed from our local school. We expose discriminatory treatment of a minority colleague in the workplace. Every life counts, and every battle won has significance.
8) since the Messiah’s mission includes bringing justice to the nations, and since we are His voice and His hands and feet in this world, pursuing justice is part of our divine mission (see Isaiah 42:1-8).
9) by standing up for the downtrodden and hurting, we demonstrate the depth of our relationship with God. As the Lord said with regard to the godly King Josiah, “He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? declares the LORD.” (Jer. 22:16) That is a truly striking verse.
10) when we oppose evil and do good, we are functioning as the Lord’s witnesses, thereby calling the society to account and setting a standard for others to follow. This, too, is part of our gospel calling.
The reality is that, until Jesus returns, we will be in a tug of war with the world, sometimes making real progress and sometimes losing ground.
But either way, we must keep our grip and maintain our resolve, wanting to hand things to the next generation in better shape than we received them while knowing that ultimate victory awaits the Lord’s return.
And while we also keep the Great Commission first and foremost in our hearts and minds, we recognize that Jesus didn’t simply call us to win the lost but to make disciples.
| November 18, 2022 |
Nov 11, 2022: Aleteia: Former atheist says Thomas Aquinas and a dose of humility led him to the Catholic faith
I wanted to believe in God, but didn’t think I could honestly do so, until I came across the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas in his Summa Theologica. There I found that the arguments of atheists had been soundly routed more than 700 years ago, and were a part of Church teaching, though I never had a clue.
Since I came back to the Church in 2004 I’ve immersed myself in the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas, who wrote about everything – including the vital importance of humility. It encouraged me to face up to the fact that I had been so wrong about something so important for a quarter of a century.
I wanted to believe in God, but didn’t think I could honestly do so, until I came across the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas in his Summa Theologica. There I found that the arguments of atheists had been soundly routed more than 700 years ago, and were a part of Church teaching, though I never had a clue.
Since I came back to the Church in 2004 I’ve immersed myself in the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas, who wrote about everything – including the vital importance of humility. It encouraged me to face up to the fact that I had been so wrong about something so important for a quarter of a century.
Matthew 21:12-13: Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’
The expulsion of the sellers from the temple is one of those pages of the Gospel that clash a bit with our imagery of an always serene, peaceful, meek Jesus. Actually, those who know the meek know that they almost never get angry, but when they do get angry, it’s big trouble.
And Jesus has a very serious reason to get angry: the Temple, which represents humanity’s relationship with God, is full of commerce and empty of love.
To understand the concrete fallout of this in our lives we can consider an example. How would we judge a relationship based only on opportunism? Would we consider it love, or hypocrisy?
Jesus is denouncing the opportunism that can lurk even in our relationship with God. If faith becomes only an exchange of petitions and graces then it’s no longer faith, but only religion, and a pagan one at that. Only when we reestablish a true prayerful relationship with God, which is a gratuitous relationship of good, does our religion cease to be pagan and become Christian faith. -Father Luigi Maria Epicoco is a priest of the Aquila Diocese
The expulsion of the sellers from the temple is one of those pages of the Gospel that clash a bit with our imagery of an always serene, peaceful, meek Jesus. Actually, those who know the meek know that they almost never get angry, but when they do get angry, it’s big trouble.
And Jesus has a very serious reason to get angry: the Temple, which represents humanity’s relationship with God, is full of commerce and empty of love.
To understand the concrete fallout of this in our lives we can consider an example. How would we judge a relationship based only on opportunism? Would we consider it love, or hypocrisy?
Jesus is denouncing the opportunism that can lurk even in our relationship with God. If faith becomes only an exchange of petitions and graces then it’s no longer faith, but only religion, and a pagan one at that. Only when we reestablish a true prayerful relationship with God, which is a gratuitous relationship of good, does our religion cease to be pagan and become Christian faith. -Father Luigi Maria Epicoco is a priest of the Aquila Diocese
| November 17, 2022 |
November 17, 2022:
I read an article on China Christian Daily that asked "What Will churches be like if all believers pay tithing?
The article went on "If all the believers in a church can pay their own tithes, what will the church be like?Several senior pastors have given some thoughts:
“The debt of our church (millions of yuan) could have been solved already.”
“We could have had the ability to build a church successfully instead of going through so many difficulties. ”
“The church will be ‘magnificent’!”"
Though I believe the intent of the article was to agree with those kinds of answers, I think the purpose of the tithe focused on these things is off target. In America the large mega churches do get their people to tithe and the churches spend it on building bigger buildings (for more tithers) and pastors live like millionaires (and many of them are). I believe the old testament priests were not allowed as very big percentage for their wages. The money was to be placed in a "storehouse." Bring me all the tithes and offerings into my store house that there maybe meat in my house (Malachi 3) There may be rare circumstances, but as a general rule if your pastor is a millionaire there is something wrong in that church.
I read an article on China Christian Daily that asked "What Will churches be like if all believers pay tithing?
The article went on "If all the believers in a church can pay their own tithes, what will the church be like?Several senior pastors have given some thoughts:
“The debt of our church (millions of yuan) could have been solved already.”
“We could have had the ability to build a church successfully instead of going through so many difficulties. ”
“The church will be ‘magnificent’!”"
Though I believe the intent of the article was to agree with those kinds of answers, I think the purpose of the tithe focused on these things is off target. In America the large mega churches do get their people to tithe and the churches spend it on building bigger buildings (for more tithers) and pastors live like millionaires (and many of them are). I believe the old testament priests were not allowed as very big percentage for their wages. The money was to be placed in a "storehouse." Bring me all the tithes and offerings into my store house that there maybe meat in my house (Malachi 3) There may be rare circumstances, but as a general rule if your pastor is a millionaire there is something wrong in that church.
| November 16, 2022 |
Best selling Christian author and Living Proof Ministries president Beth Moore made a comment regarding Christian nationalism that went viral on Twitter yesterday (Nov 14).
Moore’s words didn’t leave any room for interpretation, as she let her Christian followers know exactly where she stands when it comes to the political philosophy.
“Christian nationalism isn’t the way ahead for Jesus followers. Christian faithfulness is,” the renowned Bible teacher explained. “It’s fidelity to Christ—not fidelity to notions of American Christianity or to any political party—that will bring light into this present darkness. The church is bride to no one but Christ.” --Church Leader: Beth Moore’s Tweet on Christian Nationalism Goes Viral 11.15.22
Moore’s words didn’t leave any room for interpretation, as she let her Christian followers know exactly where she stands when it comes to the political philosophy.
“Christian nationalism isn’t the way ahead for Jesus followers. Christian faithfulness is,” the renowned Bible teacher explained. “It’s fidelity to Christ—not fidelity to notions of American Christianity or to any political party—that will bring light into this present darkness. The church is bride to no one but Christ.” --Church Leader: Beth Moore’s Tweet on Christian Nationalism Goes Viral 11.15.22
| November 15, 2022 |
“I believe it was not God’s will for Mike Pence to be Donald Trump’s vice president! Why? It united him with an unsavory non-Christian. Evangelicals used to believe in the biblical commands about separation. For example, the apostle Paul exhorts, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6.14 KJV). From both an evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic perspective, a person is not a genuine Christian unless he or she believes sincerely in Jesus Christ as Savior from sin and confesses him as risen Lord. Donald Trump has never confessed publicly to any of this. So, according to evangelical faith and the Paul’s instructions, Mike Pence should not have been yoked together with Donald Trump to lead the United States of America as two oxen are yoked together to plow a field.” -Kermit Zarley; Did God “So Help” Pence If He Has Legal Jeopardy? 11.14.22
Baptist News Global: Republican losses in midterms are worth it because of ending Roe, Mohler explains
And Mohler has a ready answer for that deal: “I would take the reversal of Roe v. Wade over the electoral win. Now again, our job is to try to achieve both, but the fact is that the election was a disappointment for the pro-life cause. But nonetheless, we are still going into the end of 2022 with the most significant headline news story being the reversal of Roe v. Wade after almost 50 years of deadly precedent.”
And Mohler has a ready answer for that deal: “I would take the reversal of Roe v. Wade over the electoral win. Now again, our job is to try to achieve both, but the fact is that the election was a disappointment for the pro-life cause. But nonetheless, we are still going into the end of 2022 with the most significant headline news story being the reversal of Roe v. Wade after almost 50 years of deadly precedent.”
| November 13, 2022 |
White evangelicalism enters DeSantis season
Last week, DeSantis raised some eyebrows with a new campaign ad, an ad that seems to claim the Almighty created DeSantis especially for the good people of Florida. According to the ad, on the eighth day of creation, “God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a protector.’ So God made a fighter.” The fighter is DeSantis, of course, who will “save their jobs, their livelihoods, their liberty, their happiness.” 11.13.22
Last week, DeSantis raised some eyebrows with a new campaign ad, an ad that seems to claim the Almighty created DeSantis especially for the good people of Florida. According to the ad, on the eighth day of creation, “God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a protector.’ So God made a fighter.” The fighter is DeSantis, of course, who will “save their jobs, their livelihoods, their liberty, their happiness.” 11.13.22
Religion News Service: Josh Shapiro and me
Pennsylvania's governor-elect bravely ran on inclusiveness against a candidate who leveraged Christian nationalism. He may have also figured his inclusiveness provided a crucial contrast with the manner in which his opponent deployed religion. State Senator Doug Mastriano used Christian nationalist symbols and paid a consultant whose website welcomes antisemitic contributors (among them the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter). Shapiro’s victory feels like a win for citizens of all faiths, rather than only Christians. 11.12.22
Pennsylvania's governor-elect bravely ran on inclusiveness against a candidate who leveraged Christian nationalism. He may have also figured his inclusiveness provided a crucial contrast with the manner in which his opponent deployed religion. State Senator Doug Mastriano used Christian nationalist symbols and paid a consultant whose website welcomes antisemitic contributors (among them the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter). Shapiro’s victory feels like a win for citizens of all faiths, rather than only Christians. 11.12.22
Midland Daily News: Tennessee pastor takes on political polarization
Polarization nationwide has shaken many social institutions – schools, families and churches among them.
Disturbed by his perception that Americans have become terrible at talking to people they disagree with, and inspired by a recent book that details a strategy for the task, Malone hopes to bring the approach into the community at large.
11.12.22
Polarization nationwide has shaken many social institutions – schools, families and churches among them.
Disturbed by his perception that Americans have become terrible at talking to people they disagree with, and inspired by a recent book that details a strategy for the task, Malone hopes to bring the approach into the community at large.
11.12.22
The Alabama Baptist: MercyMe hopes new album reminds Christians of their purpose, ‘common denominator’
Of the album’s 10 tracks, about half were written during the pandemic.
“It feels like we just stumbled onto a very important record,” Millard told The Alabama Baptist. “It’s perfect timing with an album titled ‘Always Only Jesus’ when we’ve got a divided body of Christ that needs to be reminded of the one common denominator we should all have. And so it was definitely a God thing. It was kind of weird.”
11.12.22
Of the album’s 10 tracks, about half were written during the pandemic.
“It feels like we just stumbled onto a very important record,” Millard told The Alabama Baptist. “It’s perfect timing with an album titled ‘Always Only Jesus’ when we’ve got a divided body of Christ that needs to be reminded of the one common denominator we should all have. And so it was definitely a God thing. It was kind of weird.”
11.12.22
Goskagit: Can believers find political unity in the pews these days?
“What we are seeing is a pretty complex situation,” said Scott McConnell, executive director at Lifeway Research. While churchgoers are divided on the need for political uniformity in their pews, there are enough believers who take that stance to prove that “this is not one or two people that pastors need to talk to and try to understand. This is a GROUP of people in most of our churches and that’s something pastors have to deal with now.” 11.12.22
“What we are seeing is a pretty complex situation,” said Scott McConnell, executive director at Lifeway Research. While churchgoers are divided on the need for political uniformity in their pews, there are enough believers who take that stance to prove that “this is not one or two people that pastors need to talk to and try to understand. This is a GROUP of people in most of our churches and that’s something pastors have to deal with now.” 11.12.22
-Trevin Wax; The Gospel Coalition |
| November 12, 2022 |
Suspect arrested in torching of 2 black churches in what Democrat claims was tactic to suppress votes
Investigators at the Jackson Police Department have arrested 23-year-old Devin McLaurin on suspicion of starting seven fires across Jackson, Mississippi, Tuesday, including two at historically black churches, one of which was completely destroyed. 11.11.22
Investigators at the Jackson Police Department have arrested 23-year-old Devin McLaurin on suspicion of starting seven fires across Jackson, Mississippi, Tuesday, including two at historically black churches, one of which was completely destroyed. 11.11.22
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Pennsylvania Capital Star: Were the 2022 midterm results a rejection of white Christian Nationalism?
Some elected officials— such as U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia — unapologetically espoused the belief that the United States is—or should be—a Christian country, governed by Christian beliefs and leaders. Others — such as Pennsylvania senator and gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano — denied ties to this movement, but clearly delivered messages that were sympathetic, if not supportive without the specific statement of support. And I would venture to say that all the issues described above are tied into a White Christian Nationalist philosophy. 11.11.22 |
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Persecution: Archbishop Warns About the Extinction of Christians in Iraq
Iraqi Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil warned hundreds of religious leaders in Indonesia Bali, while at the G20 Religion forum, of the impending extinction of Christians in his country should the level of general violence and religious minority persecution, continue to occur.
Militant Islamic groups and non-Christian government officials perpetrate much violence and oppression, leaving most Christians to practice secretly. Christianposts.com reports that Warda warns, “There is “a fundamental crisis of violence within Islam” that “can no longer be ignored,” Warda said, adding that it “continues to affect the entire Middle East, Africa, Asia and beyond.”
11.11.22
Iraqi Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil warned hundreds of religious leaders in Indonesia Bali, while at the G20 Religion forum, of the impending extinction of Christians in his country should the level of general violence and religious minority persecution, continue to occur.
Militant Islamic groups and non-Christian government officials perpetrate much violence and oppression, leaving most Christians to practice secretly. Christianposts.com reports that Warda warns, “There is “a fundamental crisis of violence within Islam” that “can no longer be ignored,” Warda said, adding that it “continues to affect the entire Middle East, Africa, Asia and beyond.”
11.11.22
Religion News: A ‘missionary to Christian nationalists,’ Phoenix pastor urges conversion, not confrontation Phoenix pastor Caleb Campbell has a theory about the growing number of Americans who are labeled as Christian nationalists.
Most would rather go to Cracker Barrel than storm the Capitol. Many see themselves as good Christians who love their country. But somewhere along the way, they began to think being a good American and being a Christian were one and the same. 11.12.22 |
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| November 10, 2022 |
November 11, 2022:
The first man who rejected Christianity, and then called himself a "free thinker," built an ideology better than he knew. If a man who rejects Christianity is a free thinker, the implication is that the man who accepts Christianity is a bound thinker--or one whose reason is in chains. It, of course, is not true. But....the "free thinker" is able to freely think what he will even if it is nonrational. He than can label it rational and call it good. "Free thinkers" as a philosophical viewpoint holds that beliefs should be formed on the basis of science, logic, and reason, and should not be influenced by authority, tradition, or any other dogma. It is, however, a dogma eat dogma world and if one presses the ideological notions of a "freethinker" one will find that their foundation is based more in "anti-religionism" as opposed to anything really reasonably "free." And the "anti-religion" sentiment is generally mis-focused. They tend to target anything religious and ask, at the same time, how can all the religions be so divided on issues. It would seem to me that the sensible thing would be to attack the point of contention that bothers their ability to think if they are anywhere near or abouts something that might be remotely religious of nature.
I cannot say that I have not heard any preacher say "do not think," but they have used it in context of a miss-applied definition of faith. Faith not illogical or void of reason. It's based on the foundation of it's creator. However, if I was to deliver that message and say to a congregation "do not think," then unless I had a gun pointed to your head at the moment, you would still have your ability to think.
Posted on Blog HERE
The first man who rejected Christianity, and then called himself a "free thinker," built an ideology better than he knew. If a man who rejects Christianity is a free thinker, the implication is that the man who accepts Christianity is a bound thinker--or one whose reason is in chains. It, of course, is not true. But....the "free thinker" is able to freely think what he will even if it is nonrational. He than can label it rational and call it good. "Free thinkers" as a philosophical viewpoint holds that beliefs should be formed on the basis of science, logic, and reason, and should not be influenced by authority, tradition, or any other dogma. It is, however, a dogma eat dogma world and if one presses the ideological notions of a "freethinker" one will find that their foundation is based more in "anti-religionism" as opposed to anything really reasonably "free." And the "anti-religion" sentiment is generally mis-focused. They tend to target anything religious and ask, at the same time, how can all the religions be so divided on issues. It would seem to me that the sensible thing would be to attack the point of contention that bothers their ability to think if they are anywhere near or abouts something that might be remotely religious of nature.
I cannot say that I have not heard any preacher say "do not think," but they have used it in context of a miss-applied definition of faith. Faith not illogical or void of reason. It's based on the foundation of it's creator. However, if I was to deliver that message and say to a congregation "do not think," then unless I had a gun pointed to your head at the moment, you would still have your ability to think.
Posted on Blog HERE
November 11, 2022:
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser, a national pro-life grassroots advocacy organization criticized Republican strategists for failing to make the party's position on abortion clear during the 2022 midterm elections, citing it as a potential reason for some of the party’s losses this election cycle. I have to disagree with the point. The position was pushed by most Republicans and it was a motivating factor for large Democrat turnout. In June 2022, the Supreme Court overruled Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization on the grounds that the substantive right to abortion was not "deeply rooted in this Nation's history or tradition", nor considered a right when the Due Process Clause was ratified in 1868, and was unknown in U.S. law until Roe.
Actions by prolife leaders like Governor Greg Abbott of Texas signed off on legislation which would allow a person to turn in anyone who even contemplated an abortion brought the issues of safety to the attention of pro-abortion advocates.. and the women who supported a woman's right to choose made the issue important to them so they campaigned against any and all Republicans. Posted on Blog HERE
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Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser, a national pro-life grassroots advocacy organization criticized Republican strategists for failing to make the party's position on abortion clear during the 2022 midterm elections, citing it as a potential reason for some of the party’s losses this election cycle. I have to disagree with the point. The position was pushed by most Republicans and it was a motivating factor for large Democrat turnout. In June 2022, the Supreme Court overruled Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization on the grounds that the substantive right to abortion was not "deeply rooted in this Nation's history or tradition", nor considered a right when the Due Process Clause was ratified in 1868, and was unknown in U.S. law until Roe.
Actions by prolife leaders like Governor Greg Abbott of Texas signed off on legislation which would allow a person to turn in anyone who even contemplated an abortion brought the issues of safety to the attention of pro-abortion advocates.. and the women who supported a woman's right to choose made the issue important to them so they campaigned against any and all Republicans. Posted on Blog HERE
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Christian Post: Pastor advises young adults not to be 'discipled' by Taylor Swift, Disney on dating, marriage
A Texas pastor has warned a group of young adult Christians against allowing messages and themes found in Disney movies or Taylor Swift songs to inform their approach to dating and marriage.
Pastor David Marvin of Dallas' Watermark Community Church, who serves as the director of the young adult-centered ministry The Porch, preached a sermon last week outlining three common mistakes Christians make when dating.
11.10.22
A Texas pastor has warned a group of young adult Christians against allowing messages and themes found in Disney movies or Taylor Swift songs to inform their approach to dating and marriage.
Pastor David Marvin of Dallas' Watermark Community Church, who serves as the director of the young adult-centered ministry The Porch, preached a sermon last week outlining three common mistakes Christians make when dating.
11.10.22
| November 9, 2022 |
KXL: ‘Christian nationalism’ threatens democracy, some experts say
Religion has become a constant theme in the ongoing 2022 midterm election cycle, with candidates and other political figures invoking Biblical imagery at rallies, saying that God is on their side in a divinely inspired fight against evil.
Religion has become a constant theme in the ongoing 2022 midterm election cycle, with candidates and other political figures invoking Biblical imagery at rallies, saying that God is on their side in a divinely inspired fight against evil.
Wisconsin Examiner: Pastor warns about Christian nationalism, preaches alternatives for faith-rooted politics
Pagitt is an evangelical pastor and the founder of the nonprofit organization Vote Common Good. His warning isn’t that religion and politics don’t mix.
Instead, it’s about how they mix — and how, he argues, a particular intersection of politics and religion threatens democracy in the United States.
That intersection is Christian nationalism: a movement to impose particular interpretations of Christian doctrine on public policy, using those doctrines as their own justification and with a willingness to enforce them with violence.
“It’s the belief that the United States of America is fundamentally committed to the Christian understanding and agenda in how it runs society and government,” Pagitt says. “There’s a movement afoot among a number of elected officials who are advocating for Christianity to play a more dominant role in our government — not just in our society, not just in public discourse, but in our government.”
11.8.22
Pagitt is an evangelical pastor and the founder of the nonprofit organization Vote Common Good. His warning isn’t that religion and politics don’t mix.
Instead, it’s about how they mix — and how, he argues, a particular intersection of politics and religion threatens democracy in the United States.
That intersection is Christian nationalism: a movement to impose particular interpretations of Christian doctrine on public policy, using those doctrines as their own justification and with a willingness to enforce them with violence.
“It’s the belief that the United States of America is fundamentally committed to the Christian understanding and agenda in how it runs society and government,” Pagitt says. “There’s a movement afoot among a number of elected officials who are advocating for Christianity to play a more dominant role in our government — not just in our society, not just in public discourse, but in our government.”
11.8.22
Vice: Meet the ‘Black Robe Regiment’ of Extremist Pastors Spreading Christian Nationalism
The movement, imbued with support from far-right political activists like Michael Flynn, wants pastors to play a central role in not only preaching politics from the pulpit but also actively getting their congregations to rise up and claim election fraud by weaving myths about the American Revolution together with modern-day conspiracy theories and hard-line Christianity. 11.8.22
The movement, imbued with support from far-right political activists like Michael Flynn, wants pastors to play a central role in not only preaching politics from the pulpit but also actively getting their congregations to rise up and claim election fraud by weaving myths about the American Revolution together with modern-day conspiracy theories and hard-line Christianity. 11.8.22
| November 7, 2022 |
Ron DeSantis and his blatant Christian Nationalism on display in a chilling campaign ad
The black-and-white video uses a male narrator appearing to speak from heavenly places to declare: “And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a protector.’ So God made him (DeSantis) a fighter. God said, ‘I need somebody willing to get up before dawn and kiss his family goodbye, travel thousands of miles for no other reason than to serve the people, to save their jobs, their livelihoods, their liberty, their happiness.’ So God made a fighter.”11.7.22 |
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Christian nationalism is on the ballot this week
Christian nationalism is not shorthand for an American who is both Christian and patriotic. Rather, Christian nationalists are a small yet organized slice of Americans working to hijack democracy. It’s not religion, but instead a cultural framework that conflates American identity with an exclusive form of religious identity. Its adherents are hoping to use the law and the ballot box to privilege a specific version of Christianity over people of other faiths and no faith, as well as other Christians who don’t believe the same things they do.11.7.22
Christian nationalism is not shorthand for an American who is both Christian and patriotic. Rather, Christian nationalists are a small yet organized slice of Americans working to hijack democracy. It’s not religion, but instead a cultural framework that conflates American identity with an exclusive form of religious identity. Its adherents are hoping to use the law and the ballot box to privilege a specific version of Christianity over people of other faiths and no faith, as well as other Christians who don’t believe the same things they do.11.7.22
UCA News: Christians, Muslims condemn bombing in the Philippines
Christians and Muslims have deplored the bomb explosion on a bus that left one passenger dead and 11 injured in the southern Philippines.
The bomb went off inside an air-conditioned bus at a terminal in Sultan Kudarat province of Mindanao region on Nov. 6.
Among the injured nine are Muslims and two Catholics.
11.7.22
Christians and Muslims have deplored the bomb explosion on a bus that left one passenger dead and 11 injured in the southern Philippines.
The bomb went off inside an air-conditioned bus at a terminal in Sultan Kudarat province of Mindanao region on Nov. 6.
Among the injured nine are Muslims and two Catholics.
11.7.22
-CS Lewis |
The Guardian: ‘He was chosen’: the rightwing Christian roadshow spreading the gospel of Trump
Part Trump rally, part religious service, and much conspiracy theory thrown in – on the eve of the midterms, Ed Pilkington visits the ReAwaken America tour. 11.6.22
Part Trump rally, part religious service, and much conspiracy theory thrown in – on the eve of the midterms, Ed Pilkington visits the ReAwaken America tour. 11.6.22
Washington Post: In existential midterm races, Christian prophets become GOP surrogates
Lance Wallnau used to be a corporate marketer who privately believed that power lay in prophetic revelation. Then came 2015, and he began sharing a word from God: Donald Trump was “anointed.”
Congressional districts have changed. Find yours for the 2022 midterm elections.Seven years later, prophecy is booming. And for Wallnau, it’s been a busy run-up to the midterm.
In July, Wallnau prayed over Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) before a cheering Atlanta arena audience. By early September, he was at a conference outside Colorado Springs with Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.). And, a few days after that, here he was in the suburbs of Harrisburg, Pa., for GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, whom he compared to George Washington at Valley Forge.
11.5.22
Lance Wallnau used to be a corporate marketer who privately believed that power lay in prophetic revelation. Then came 2015, and he began sharing a word from God: Donald Trump was “anointed.”
Congressional districts have changed. Find yours for the 2022 midterm elections.Seven years later, prophecy is booming. And for Wallnau, it’s been a busy run-up to the midterm.
In July, Wallnau prayed over Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) before a cheering Atlanta arena audience. By early September, he was at a conference outside Colorado Springs with Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.). And, a few days after that, here he was in the suburbs of Harrisburg, Pa., for GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, whom he compared to George Washington at Valley Forge.
11.5.22
Texas Observer: CHRISTOFASCISM IS EVERYONE’S PROBLEM
The Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward's new book asks white Christians to take responsibility for dismantling America’s oppressive, patriarchal systems 11.3.22
The Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward's new book asks white Christians to take responsibility for dismantling America’s oppressive, patriarchal systems 11.3.22
Texas Observer: CHRISTIANS MUST PUBLICLY DENOUNCE CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
The term “Christian nationalism” means different things to different people. That makes it easier for political and religious leaders to falsely claim this dangerous ideology will make our country better. I am using Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry’s definition from Taking America Back For God. They spent five years analyzing data and conducting interviews about Christian nationalism in the United States, and they define the term as follows:
“Christian nationalism is a cultural framework—a collection of myths, traditions, symbols, narratives, and value systems—that idealizes and advocates a fusion of Christianity with American civil life.”
They emphasize that “Christianity” here means something other than its usual definition. It is not simply a religion whose adherents worship Jesus as Lord. 11.5.22
The term “Christian nationalism” means different things to different people. That makes it easier for political and religious leaders to falsely claim this dangerous ideology will make our country better. I am using Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry’s definition from Taking America Back For God. They spent five years analyzing data and conducting interviews about Christian nationalism in the United States, and they define the term as follows:
“Christian nationalism is a cultural framework—a collection of myths, traditions, symbols, narratives, and value systems—that idealizes and advocates a fusion of Christianity with American civil life.”
They emphasize that “Christianity” here means something other than its usual definition. It is not simply a religion whose adherents worship Jesus as Lord. 11.5.22
| November 5, 2022 |
November 5, 2022:
One foundation of Christian Nationalism is found in Romans 1:21-22: "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became ->>vain in their imaginations,<-- and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."
There are a lot of Christians who are pushing Christian Nationalism but do not know they are. Not knowing they are does not make them any less innocent. Paul points out to Timothy: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (II Tim 2:3-4). Vain imaginations and desires for power are Christian Nationalist compatible.
Imagination is a very powerful force. Offhand I would count it as one of the most powerful forces in the universe outside of God & His Spirit. In fact, very early in our Creation story we find the Genesis author stating that in "GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Gen 6:5). That is man. Jeremiah added “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?" (17:9). I cant even imagine what the world would have been by now had God not sent us His Son for our redemption.
A major part of spiritual warfare is "casting down imaginations" and that applies to what I hear and what I think. I must deal with my own imaginations..while addressing the info I take in. This takes the power of the word to aid in fortifying ourselves from it and even addressing in others. Build your spiritual foundation on a rock and not sand. The next wave..which might be CN..will come your way and wipe out everything you had spiritually. And there is no guarantee you will want it back when you finally discover how far away from reality the wave took you.
For me, right now, one of the major themes I address in my reading and writing is Christian Nationalism. As I stated earlier there are many people pushing Christian Nationalism but dont know they are doing it. I can attest, but not proudly, that I spent many years pushing Christian Nationalist ideas. My ideology followed many American church teachings that suggest America has some sort of special place in creation and, from reading authors like David Barton, were convinced that God played a major part in establishing America. Granted God was there and knows what was going on but He really did not have the hand on Americas foundation that most CNs think. (and I am not saying God abdicated anything...He allowed man to do what he was doing. And in contemporary society there is absolutely no calling from God to anyone to throw out the Constitution and establish America as a theocracy. Particularly since I understand the idea is to establish the Ten Commandments as the foundation. America has a rich Christian foundation and many blessings with Jesus as king and not some theocratic political leader.
Christian Nationalism as a movement is a power play. They have a sense that they have no power and then when some apostate comes along and playa the Jesus card, they are all in. God, of course, nor Jesus ever issued those kinds of commands. There are self proclaimed prophets as we speak pushing what they claim are prophetic words from God...but they are not. They get themselves attention...and they can find ways through the internet to monetize themselves...and as long as the money keeps coming they will keep preaching whatever the donators want.
Adolf Hitler pushed Christian Nationalism in the 1930s as he rose to power. He understood the need for power many Christians have...particularly when enticed via the avenue of their own vain imaginations.
Posted on Blog HERE
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One foundation of Christian Nationalism is found in Romans 1:21-22: "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became ->>vain in their imaginations,<-- and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."
There are a lot of Christians who are pushing Christian Nationalism but do not know they are. Not knowing they are does not make them any less innocent. Paul points out to Timothy: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (II Tim 2:3-4). Vain imaginations and desires for power are Christian Nationalist compatible.
Imagination is a very powerful force. Offhand I would count it as one of the most powerful forces in the universe outside of God & His Spirit. In fact, very early in our Creation story we find the Genesis author stating that in "GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Gen 6:5). That is man. Jeremiah added “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?" (17:9). I cant even imagine what the world would have been by now had God not sent us His Son for our redemption.
A major part of spiritual warfare is "casting down imaginations" and that applies to what I hear and what I think. I must deal with my own imaginations..while addressing the info I take in. This takes the power of the word to aid in fortifying ourselves from it and even addressing in others. Build your spiritual foundation on a rock and not sand. The next wave..which might be CN..will come your way and wipe out everything you had spiritually. And there is no guarantee you will want it back when you finally discover how far away from reality the wave took you.
For me, right now, one of the major themes I address in my reading and writing is Christian Nationalism. As I stated earlier there are many people pushing Christian Nationalism but dont know they are doing it. I can attest, but not proudly, that I spent many years pushing Christian Nationalist ideas. My ideology followed many American church teachings that suggest America has some sort of special place in creation and, from reading authors like David Barton, were convinced that God played a major part in establishing America. Granted God was there and knows what was going on but He really did not have the hand on Americas foundation that most CNs think. (and I am not saying God abdicated anything...He allowed man to do what he was doing. And in contemporary society there is absolutely no calling from God to anyone to throw out the Constitution and establish America as a theocracy. Particularly since I understand the idea is to establish the Ten Commandments as the foundation. America has a rich Christian foundation and many blessings with Jesus as king and not some theocratic political leader.
Christian Nationalism as a movement is a power play. They have a sense that they have no power and then when some apostate comes along and playa the Jesus card, they are all in. God, of course, nor Jesus ever issued those kinds of commands. There are self proclaimed prophets as we speak pushing what they claim are prophetic words from God...but they are not. They get themselves attention...and they can find ways through the internet to monetize themselves...and as long as the money keeps coming they will keep preaching whatever the donators want.
Adolf Hitler pushed Christian Nationalism in the 1930s as he rose to power. He understood the need for power many Christians have...particularly when enticed via the avenue of their own vain imaginations.
Posted on Blog HERE
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National Catholic Reporter: JD Vance and Tim Ryan, two very different Catholics, vie for power in Ohio "We have to be united against the extremists. ... Democracy is a decision that we have to make," Ryan said during an Oct. 2 virtual rally hosted by Catholics Vote Common Good, a progressive group.
During the rally, Ryan credited his 13 years of Catholic schools, the examples of his devout grandfather, other churchgoing relatives, social-justice-minded religious sisters and Pope Francis' emphasis on solidarity as being major influences in his public life.
10.5.22
During the rally, Ryan credited his 13 years of Catholic schools, the examples of his devout grandfather, other churchgoing relatives, social-justice-minded religious sisters and Pope Francis' emphasis on solidarity as being major influences in his public life.
10.5.22
National Catholic Reporter: Major Christian leaders asked Jan. 6 committee to investigate Christian nationalism
In addition to BJC head Amanda Tyler, signers of the letter included prominent faith leaders such as the heads of mainline and historically Black denominations. Among the signatories is Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church; Rev. David Peoples, president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention; Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Rev. Jimmie R. Hawkins, director of multiple Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) advocacy offices; Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, interim president and general secretary of the National Council of Churches; Rev. John C. Dorhauer, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ; and Rev. Paul Baxley, executive coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
Activists and scholars who have been outspoken about Christian nationalism also signed on, such as Shane Claiborne, head of Red Letter Christians; Rev. Jennifer Butler, founder of Faith in Public Life; scholar and author Jemar Tisby; Mary J. Novak, head of the Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; Anthea Butler, chair of the department of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania; and Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners and director of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University.
11.4.22
In addition to BJC head Amanda Tyler, signers of the letter included prominent faith leaders such as the heads of mainline and historically Black denominations. Among the signatories is Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church; Rev. David Peoples, president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention; Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Rev. Jimmie R. Hawkins, director of multiple Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) advocacy offices; Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, interim president and general secretary of the National Council of Churches; Rev. John C. Dorhauer, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ; and Rev. Paul Baxley, executive coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
Activists and scholars who have been outspoken about Christian nationalism also signed on, such as Shane Claiborne, head of Red Letter Christians; Rev. Jennifer Butler, founder of Faith in Public Life; scholar and author Jemar Tisby; Mary J. Novak, head of the Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; Anthea Butler, chair of the department of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania; and Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners and director of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University.
11.4.22
Open Doors: Three church leaders in Vietnam falsely arrested and their homes destroyed 11.4.22
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Red Letter Christians: Why the False Prophets of Christian Nationalism Don’t Speak for Me
In an important panel discussion with the Christians Against Christian Nationalism initiative and Jim Wallis last week, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry underscored an important fact: Christian Nationalism* is not Christianity. “If you look at the complex of white Christian Nationalism as an ideology,” Curry warned, “you lay it alongside Jesus of Nazareth and we’re not even talking about the same thing.” 11.4.22 |
Jesus was rejected by His own people, especially the Jewish leaders. They were used to having power over the people. What the leaders were expecting in their Messiah was a powerful king who would overthrow their Roman oppressors and free them to establish their own government.
But, Jesus didn’t come to do that and didn’t even come in that way. He didn’t come with armies before Him or trumpets heralding His arrival. He came humbly, riding on a donkey. The Jewish rulers weren’t prepared for that and when they saw the truths He was teaching, threatening their rule over the people, and exposing their hypocrisy — so they plotted to kill Him.
In one particular exchange, they attempted to trick Him to say things that He could be, at the most, arrested for, and at least discredited for, but of course, He saw right through it. We read about this exchange in Matthew 22: 21. When presented with a coin that had Caesar’s image stamped on it, Jesus responded, ““Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
When I read about this all those years ago, it became clear to me that, as Christians, we do have a responsibility to be involved in government and that includes voting. As such, the Bible also directs us to obey our leaders and pray for them (Romans 13:1-2.) There are a few other places where we are instructed in how to be good citizens. One responsibility of citizenship is voting; informed voting -Jan Rogers; From My Mountain: Should Christians Vote? 11.4.22
But, Jesus didn’t come to do that and didn’t even come in that way. He didn’t come with armies before Him or trumpets heralding His arrival. He came humbly, riding on a donkey. The Jewish rulers weren’t prepared for that and when they saw the truths He was teaching, threatening their rule over the people, and exposing their hypocrisy — so they plotted to kill Him.
In one particular exchange, they attempted to trick Him to say things that He could be, at the most, arrested for, and at least discredited for, but of course, He saw right through it. We read about this exchange in Matthew 22: 21. When presented with a coin that had Caesar’s image stamped on it, Jesus responded, ““Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
When I read about this all those years ago, it became clear to me that, as Christians, we do have a responsibility to be involved in government and that includes voting. As such, the Bible also directs us to obey our leaders and pray for them (Romans 13:1-2.) There are a few other places where we are instructed in how to be good citizens. One responsibility of citizenship is voting; informed voting -Jan Rogers; From My Mountain: Should Christians Vote? 11.4.22
The New Yorker: Russell Moore on Christian Nationalism
Russell Moore, a prominent figure in the Southern Baptist Convention, resigned over the church’s response to racism—which Moore considers a sin—and documented sexual-abuse allegations. The theologian sits down with David Remnick to reflect on the intersection of Christianity and American politics. “Jesus always refused to have his gospel used as a means to an end,” Moore says. “People who settle for Christianity or any other religion as politics are really making a pitiful deal.” Plus, the contributing writer Eliza Griswold reports on an energized movement of Christian nationalists aiming for statewide power in Pennsylvania. And Mike White, the creator of the hit HBO series “The White Lotus,” on why he is attracted to telling stories about the privileged.11.4.22
Russell Moore, a prominent figure in the Southern Baptist Convention, resigned over the church’s response to racism—which Moore considers a sin—and documented sexual-abuse allegations. The theologian sits down with David Remnick to reflect on the intersection of Christianity and American politics. “Jesus always refused to have his gospel used as a means to an end,” Moore says. “People who settle for Christianity or any other religion as politics are really making a pitiful deal.” Plus, the contributing writer Eliza Griswold reports on an energized movement of Christian nationalists aiming for statewide power in Pennsylvania. And Mike White, the creator of the hit HBO series “The White Lotus,” on why he is attracted to telling stories about the privileged.11.4.22
| November 3, 2022 |
Roys Report: Mississippi Church Commits to ‘More Thorough Response’ for 1980s Abuse Case
In speaking to worshippers at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison, Mississippi, on Sunday, Lead Pastor Josh Braddy presented several action steps toward addressing a decades-old case of sexual abuse to which he and other church leaders believe “a more thorough response was warranted.”11.1.22
In speaking to worshippers at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison, Mississippi, on Sunday, Lead Pastor Josh Braddy presented several action steps toward addressing a decades-old case of sexual abuse to which he and other church leaders believe “a more thorough response was warranted.”11.1.22
Baptist News Global: When lying becomes a virtue 11.3.22
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Baptist News Global: Should ‘real’ Christians really vote Republican today?
The Gospel of John depicts a Jesus who loved truth that with grace would set the world free. But today’s Republican Party is so drunk with the power Donald Trump gave them “right out loud” to hate Blacks, browns, the Latinx, LGBTQs, willing to bear all manner of false witness against their neighbors, equating Democrats with pedophiles who drink the blood of babies. He lied about crowd sizes, about “shithole countries,” about Mexicans, about new diseases and how many people were dying from COVID (I was almost one of them, by the way), about fraudulent claims of voter fraud, about stolen elections, about when he knew the January 6 crowd was armed, about being Mike Pence’s friend while his pals built gallows for him on the Ellipse, about what is in all those government documents he spirited away to Mar-a-Lago, and why he wanted them in his possession in the first place. 11.3.22 |
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october 2022
